Over 45 years ago, Toronto became the first municipality in Canada to designate February as Black History Month.
This month marks a time when all Canadians come together to celebrate Black culture and communities in Canada, learn more about their history and shine a spotlight on their stories.
“Black History Month provides an important reminder to both learn and unlearn, and make changes for the better so that we can create better futures,” said one Daily Bread Food Bank team member.
The Government of Canada announced this year’s theme is “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations.” We invite you to join us in commemorating this month by exploring the events, exhibitions and book recommendations below.
Events:
- Canada Black Music Archives Showcase on Friday, February 21, 6 to 9 p.m.
- Enjoy a free evening of hip hop and live performance in celebration of Black music history at the City of Toronto Archives
Exhibitions:
- Sojourn exhibition, February 1-26
- Experience the vibrancy of The Flying Bushman’s (Boloebi Okah) paintings, where his Nigerian heritage comes alive, at Cedar Ridge Creative Centre
- Self-guided tour of Eglinton Street West – home to Little Jamaica
- Explore the area’s art and culture on foot, bike or bus through this City-curated tour filled with information that you can reference as you wander
Reading list:
- Kids books about Black lives, written by Black authors
- And a few recommendations from Daily Bread team members:
- Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
- The Skin We’re In by Desmond Cole
- Black Skin, White Masks by Frantz Fanon
- Any Known Blood by Lawrence Hill
